Apparatus, system and method of performing a fine time measurement (FTM) procedure with a responder station

ABSTRACT

Some demonstrative embodiments include apparatuses, systems and/or methods of performing a Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) procedure with a responder station. For example, an apparatus may include logic and circuitry configured to cause a responder station to transmit an information element including FTM availability information, the FTM availability information including an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and to be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/191,438 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SIGNALING MULTI-CHANNEL AVAILABILITY INFORMATION OF A FINE TIMING MEASUREMENT (FTM) RESPONDER”, filed Jul. 12, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to performing a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) procedure with a responder station.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor navigation is widely deployed thanks to the development of various global-navigation-satellite-systems (GNSS), e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), GALILEO, and the like.

Recently, there has been a lot of focus on indoor navigation. This field differs from the outdoor navigation, since the indoor environment does not enable the reception of signals from GNSS satellites. As a result, a lot of effort is being directed towards solving the indoor navigation problem.

A Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) Protocol, e.g., in accordance with an IEEE 802.11REVmc Specification, may include measuring a Round Trip Time (RTT) from a wireless station (STA) to a plurality of other STAs, e.g., several Access Point (AP) STAs and/or non-AP STAs, for example, to perform trilateration and/or calculate the location of the STA.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. The figures are listed below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustration of a system, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) procedure, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a capability information field, which may be used in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an extended capabilities element format, which may be used in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a communication scheme, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an FTM availability scheme, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow-chart illustration of a method of performing an FTM procedure with a responder station, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a product, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion.

Discussions herein utilizing terms such as, for example, “processing”, “computing”, “calculating”, “determining”, “establishing”, “analyzing”, “checking”, or the like, may refer to operation(s) and/or process(es) of a computer, a computing platform, a computing system, or other electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's registers and/or memories or other information storage medium that may store instructions to perform operations and/or processes.

The terms “plurality” and “a plurality”, as used herein, include, for example, “multiple” or “two or more”. For example, “a plurality of items” includes two or more items.

References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “demonstrative embodiment”, “various embodiments” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third” etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with various devices and systems, for example, a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Device (MD), a wireless station (STA), a Personal Computer (PC), a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, a handheld device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a consumer device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, a wireless communication station, a wireless communication device, a wireless Access Point (AP), a wired or wireless router, a wired or wireless modem, a video device, an audio device, an audio-video (A/V) device, a wired or wireless network, a wireless area network, a Wireless Video Area Network (WVAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wireless LAN (WLAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), a Wireless PAN (WPAN), and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing. Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Alliance (WFA) Specifications (including Wi-Fi Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) Technical Specification, Version 1.0, May 1, 2015) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing WFA Peer-to-Peer (P2P) specifications (WiFi P2P technical specification, version 1.5, Aug. 4, 2014) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing Wireless-Gigabit-Alliance (WGA) specifications (Wireless Gigabit Alliance, Inc WiGig MAC and PHY Specification Version 1.1, April 2011, Final specification) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing IEEE 802.11 standards (IEEE 802.11-2012, IEEE Standard for Information technology—Telecommunications and information exchange between systems Local and metropolitan area networks—Specific requirements Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications, Mar. 29, 2012; IEEE802.11ac-2013 (“IEEE P802.11ac-2013, IEEE Standard for Information Technology—Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems—Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Specific Requirements—Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications—Amendment 4: Enhancements for Very High Throughput for Operation in Bands below 6 GHz”, December, 2013); IEEE 802.11ad (“IEEE P802.11 ad-2012, IEEE Standard for Information Technology—Telecommunications and Information Exchange Between Systems—Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Specific Requirements—Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications—Amendment 3: Enhancements for Very High Throughput in the 60 GHz Band”, 28 December, 2012); IEEE-802.11REVmc (“IEEE 802.11-REVmc™/D3.0, June 2014 draft standard for Information technology—Telecommunications and information exchange between systems Local and metropolitan area networks Specific requirements; Part 11: Wireless LAN Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specification”); and/or IEEE 802.11az (IEEE 802.11az, Next Generation Positioning)) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, devices and/or networks operating in accordance with existing cellular specifications and/or protocols, e.g., 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and/or future versions and/or derivatives thereof, units and/or devices which are part of the above networks, and the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one way and/or two-way radio communication systems, cellular radio-telephone communication systems, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a wireless telephone, a Personal Communication Systems (PCS) device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portable Global Positioning System (GPS) device, a device which incorporates a GPS receiver or transceiver or chip, a device which incorporates an RFID element or chip, a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) transceiver or device, a Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) transceiver or device, a Multiple Input Single Output (MISO) transceiver or device, a device having one or more internal antennas and/or external antennas, Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) devices or systems, multi-standard radio devices or systems, a wired or wireless handheld device, e.g., a Smartphone, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) device, or the like.

Some embodiments may be used in conjunction with one or more types of wireless communication signals and/or systems, for example, Radio Frequency (RF), Infra Red (IR), Frequency-Division Multiplexing (FDM), Orthogonal FDM (OFDM), Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Spatial Divisional Multiple Access (SDMA), FDM Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM), Time-Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), Extended TDMA (E-TDMA), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), extended GPRS, Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), CDMA 2000, single-carrier CDMA, multi-carrier CDMA, Multi-Carrier Modulation (MDM), Discrete Multi-Tone (DMT), Bluetooth®, Global Positioning System (GPS), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, ZigBeeTM, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), 2G, 2.5G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, Fifth Generation (5G) mobile networks, 3GPP, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE advanced, Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or the like. Other embodiments may be used in various other devices, systems and/or networks.

The term “wireless device”, as used herein, includes, for example, a device capable of wireless communication, a communication device capable of wireless communication, a communication station capable of wireless communication, a portable or non-portable device capable of wireless communication, or the like. In some demonstrative embodiments, a wireless device may be or may include a peripheral that is integrated with a computer, or a peripheral that is attached to a computer. In some demonstrative embodiments, the term “wireless device” may optionally include a wireless service.

The term “communicating” as used herein with respect to a communication signal includes transmitting the communication signal and/or receiving the communication signal. For example, a communication unit, which is capable of communicating a communication signal, may include a transmitter to transmit the communication signal to at least one other communication unit, and/or a communication receiver to receive the communication signal from at least one other communication unit. The verb communicating may be used to refer to the action of transmitting or the action of receiving. In one example, the phrase “communicating a signal” may refer to the action of transmitting the signal by a first device, and may not necessarily include the action of receiving the signal by a second device. In another example, the phrase “communicating a signal” may refer to the action of receiving the signal by a first device, and may not necessarily include the action of transmitting the signal by a second device.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be used in conjunction with a WLAN, e.g., a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network. Other embodiments may be used in conjunction with any other suitable wireless communication network, for example, a wireless area network, a “piconet”, a WPAN, a WVAN and the like.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be used in conjunction with a wireless communication network communicating over a frequency band of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. However, other embodiments may be implemented utilizing any other suitable wireless communication frequency bands, for example, an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (the millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band), e.g., a frequency band within the frequency band of between 20 Ghz and 300 GHZ, a WLAN frequency band, a WPAN frequency band, and the like.

As used herein, the term “circuitry” may refer to, be part of, or include, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit, an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group), that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

The term “logic” may refer, for example, to computing logic embedded in circuitry of a computing apparatus and/or computing logic stored in a memory of a computing apparatus. For example, the logic may be accessible by a processor of the computing apparatus to execute the computing logic to perform computing functions and/or operations. In one example, logic may be embedded in various types of memory and/or firmware, e.g., silicon blocks of various chips and/or processors. Logic may be included in, and/or implemented as part of, various circuitry, e.g. radio circuitry, receiver circuitry, control circuitry, transmitter circuitry, transceiver circuitry, processor circuitry, and/or the like. In one example, logic may be embedded in volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory, including random access memory, read only memory, programmable memory, magnetic memory, flash memory, persistent memory, and/or the like. Logic may be executed by one or more processors using memory, e.g., registers, buffers, stacks, and the like, coupled to the one or more processors, e.g., as necessary to execute the logic.

The term “antenna”, as used herein, may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, the antenna may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements. The antenna may include, for example, a phased array antenna, a single element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like.

The phrase “peer to peer (PTP) communication”, as used herein, may relate to device-to-device communication over a wireless link (“peer-to-peer link”) between devices. The PTP communication may include, for example, a WiFi Direct (WFD) communication, e.g., a WFD Peer to Peer (P2P) communication, wireless communication over a direct link within a Quality of Service (QoS) basic service set (BSS), a tunneled direct-link setup (TDLS) link, a STA-to-STA communication in an independent basic service set (IBSS), or the like.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with respect to WiFi communication. However, other embodiments may be implemented with respect to any other communication scheme, network, standard and/or protocol.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which schematically illustrates a system 100, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some demonstrative embodiments system 100 may include a wireless communication network including one or more wireless communication devices. For example, system 100 may include a mobile device 102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, mobile device 102 may include, for example, a UE, an MD, a STA, an AP, a PC, a desktop computer, a mobile computer, a laptop computer, an UltrabookTM computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a server computer, a handheld computer, a handheld device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a sensor device, a wearable device, a PDA device, a handheld PDA device, an on-board device, an off-board device, a hybrid device (e.g., combining cellular phone functionalities with PDA device functionalities), a consumer device, a vehicular device, a non-vehicular device, a mobile or portable device, a non-mobile or non-portable device, a mobile phone, a cellular telephone, a PCS device, a PDA device which incorporates a wireless communication device, a mobile or portable GPS device, a DVB device, a relatively small computing device, a non-desktop computer, a “Carry Small Live Large” (CSLL) device, an Ultra Mobile Device (UMD), an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), a Mobile Internet Device (MID), an “Origami” device or computing device, a device that supports Dynamically Composable Computing (DCC), a context-aware device, a video device, an audio device, an AN device, a Set-Top-Box (STB), a Blu-ray disc (BD) player, a BD recorder, a Digital Video Disc (DVD) player, a High Definition (HD) DVD player, a DVD recorder, a HD DVD recorder, ⁻a Personal Video Recorder (PVR), a broadcast HD receiver, a video source, an audio source, a video sink, an audio sink, a stereo tuner, a broadcast radio receiver, a flat panel display, a Personal Media Player (PMP), a digital video camera (DVC), a digital audio player, a speaker, an audio receiver, an audio amplifier, a gaming device, a data source, a data sink, a Digital Still camera (DSC), a media player, a Smartphone, a television, a music player, or the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system 100 may include one or more responder stations. For example, system 100 may include a responder station 140 and/or a responder station 160.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may be configured to provide location information to a mobile device, e.g., mobile device 102. For example, mobile device 102 may use responder stations 140 and/or 160 to determine an estimated location of mobile device 102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may be configured to perform positioning measurements and/or communications, ranging measurements and/or communications, proximity measurements and/or communications, location estimation measurements and/or communications, and/or Time of Flight (ToF) measurements and/or communications.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may include a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) responder, e.g., also referred to as Time of Flight (ToF) responder.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may be configured to perform one or more operations and/or communications, for example, according to an FTM procedure and/or protocol, e.g., as described below.

In other embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may be configured to perform any other additional or alternative positioning measurements and/or communications, ranging measurements and/or communications, proximity measurements and/or communications, location estimation measurements and/or communications, for example, and/or according to any other additional or alternative procedure and/or protocol, e.g., an Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may include, operate as, and/or perform the functionality of one or more STAs. For example, device 102 may include at least one STA, and/or responder station 140 may include at least one STA.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may include, operate as, and/or perform the functionality of one or more WLAN STAs.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may include, operate as, and/or perform the functionality of one or more Wi-Fi STAs.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may include, operate as, and/or perform the functionality of one or more BT devices.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may include, operate as, and/or perform the functionality of one or more Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) STAs.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may include, operate as, and/or perform the functionality of, an Access Point (AP), e.g., as described below.

For example, the AP may include a router, a PC, a server, a Hot-Spot and/or the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, one or more devices of device 102, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may perform the functionality of a non-AP STA.

In one example, a station (STA) may include a logical entity that is a singly addressable instance of a medium access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) interface to the wireless medium (WM). The STA may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In one example, an AP may include an entity that contains a station (STA), e.g., one STA, and provides access to distribution services, via the wireless medium (WM) for associated STAs. The AP may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In one example, a non-access-point (non-AP) station (STA) may include a STA that is not contained within an AP. The non-AP STA may perform any other additional or alternative functionality.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may be capable of communicating content, data, information and/or signals via a wireless medium (WM) 103. In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless medium 103 may include, for example, a radio channel, a cellular channel, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Channel, an RF channel, a WiFi channel, an IR channel, a Bluetooth (BT) channel, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication medium 103 may include a wireless communication channel over a 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) frequency band, or a 5 GHz frequency band, a millimeterWave (mmWave) frequency band, e.g., a 60 GHz frequency band, a SIG band, and/or any other frequency band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may include one or more radios including circuitry and/or logic to perform wireless communication between devices device 102, responder station 140, responder station 160 and/or one or more other wireless communication devices. For example, device 102 may include a radio 114, and/or responder station 140 may include a radio 144.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radio 114 and/or radio 144 may include one or more wireless receivers (Rx) including circuitry and/or logic to receive wireless communication signals, RF signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data. For example, radio 114 may include at least one receiver 116, and/or radio 144 may include at lest one receiver 146.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios 114 and/or 144 may include one or more wireless transmitters (Tx) including circuitry and/or logic to transmit wireless communication signals, RF signals, frames, blocks, transmission streams, packets, messages, data items, and/or data. For example, radio 114 may include at least one transmitter 118, and/or radio 144 may include at least one transmitter 148.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios 114 and/or 144 may include circuitry, logic, modulation elements, demodulation elements, amplifiers, analog to digital and digital to analog converters, filters, and/or the like. For example, radios 114 and/or 144 may include or may be implemented as part of a wireless Network Interface Card (NIC), and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios 114 and/or 144 may be configured to communicate over a directional band, for example, a mmWave band, and/or any other band, for example, a 2.4 GHz band, a 5 GHz band, a SIG band, and/or any other band.

In some demonstrative embodiments, radios 114 and/or 144 may include, or may be associated with, one or more antennas 107 and/or 147, respectively.

In one example, device 102 may include a single antenna 107. In another example, device 102 may include two or more antennas 107.

In one example, responder station 140 may include a single antenna 147. In another example, responder station 140 may include two or more antennas 147.

Antennas 107 and/or 147 may include any type of antennas suitable for transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals, blocks, frames, transmission streams, packets, messages and/or data. For example, antennas 107 and/or 147 may include any suitable configuration, structure and/or arrangement of one or more antenna elements, components, units, assemblies and/or arrays. Antennas 107 and/or 147 may include, for example, antennas suitable for directional communication, e.g., using beamforming techniques. For example, antennas 107 and/or 147 may include a phased array antenna, a multiple element antenna, a set of switched beam antennas, and/or the like. In some embodiments, antennas 107 and/or 147 may implement transmit and receive functionalities using separate transmit and receive antenna elements. In some embodiments, antennas 107 and/or 147 may implement transmit and receive functionalities using common and/or integrated transmit/receive elements.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may include a controller 124, and/or responder station 140 may include a controller 154. Controllers 124 and/or 154 may be configured to perform, and/or may trigger devices 102 and/or 140 to perform, one or more communications, may generate and/or communicate one or more messages and/or transmissions, and/or may perform one or more functionalities, operations and/or procedures between device 102, responder station 140, responder station 160 and/or one or more other devices, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controllers 124 and/or 154 may include circuitry and/or logic, e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, memory circuitry and/or logic, Media-Access Control (MAC) circuitry and/or logic, Physical Layer (PHY) circuitry and/or logic, and/or any other circuitry and/or logic, configured to perform the functionality of controllers 124 and/or 154, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of controllers 124 and/or 154 may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and/or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

In one example, controller 124 may include circuitry and/or logic, for example, one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, to cause, trigger and/or control a wireless device, e.g., device 102, and/or a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by device 102, to perform one or more operations, communications and/or functionalities, e.g., as described herein.

In one example, controller 154 may include circuitry and/or logic, for example, one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, to cause, trigger and/or control a wireless device, e.g., responder station 140, and/or a wireless station, e.g., a wireless STA implemented by responder station 140, to perform one or more operations, communications and/or functionalities, e.g., as described herein.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may include a message processor 128 configured to generate, process and/or access one or messages communicated by device 102.

In one example, message processor 128 may be configured to generate one or more messages to be transmitted by device 102, and/or message processor 128 may be configured to access and/or to process one or more messages received by device 102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder station 140 may include a message processor 158 configured to generate, process and/or access one or messages communicated by responder station 140.

In one example, message processor 158 may be configured to generate one or more messages to be transmitted by responder station 140, and/or message processor 158 may be configured to access and/or to process one or more messages received by responder station 140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, message processors 128 and/or 158 may include circuitry and/or logic, e.g., one or more processors including circuitry and/or logic, memory circuitry and/or logic, Media-Access Control (MAC) circuitry and/or logic, Physical Layer (PHY) circuitry and/or logic, and/or any other circuitry and/or logic, configured to perform the functionality of message processors 128 and/or 158, respectively. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of message processors 128 and/or 158 may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and/or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of message processor 128 may be implemented as part of radio 114, and/or at least part of the functionality of message processor 158 may be implemented as part of radio 144.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of message processor 128 may be implemented as part of controller 124, and/or at least part of the functionality of message processor 158 may be implemented as part of controller 154.

In other embodiments, the functionality of message processor 128 may be implemented as part of any other element of device 102, and/or the functionality of message processor 158 may be implemented as part of any other element of responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of controller 124 and/or message processor 128 may be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, a chip, e.g., a System on Chip (SoC). In one example, the chip or SoC may be configured to perform one or more functionalities of radio 114. For example, the chip or SoC may include one or more elements of controller 124, one or more elements of message processor 128, and/or one or more elements of radio 114. In one example, controller 124, message processor 128, and radio 114 may be implemented as part of the chip or SoC.

In other embodiments, controller 124, message processor 128 and/or radio 114 may be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of device 102.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may form, or may communicate as part of, a wireless local area network (WLAN).

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may form, or may communicate as part of, a WiFi network.

In some demonstrative embodiments, wireless communication medium 103 may include a direct link, e.g., a P2P link, for example, to enable direct communication between device 102 and responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may perform the functionality of WFA P2P devices. For example, device 102 may perform the functionality of a P2P client device, and/or responder station 140 may perform the functionality of a P2P group owner (GO) device.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may form, or communicate as part of, a WiFi direct services (WFDS) network.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least one of wireless communication device 102, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may be part of a WiFi Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) network. For example, device 102 may include a NAN device, which may be part of a NAN network, while responder station 140 may not include a NAN device and may not be part of a NAN network.

In other embodiments, device 102, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may form, and/or communicate as part of, any other network.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may include one or more applications configured to provide and/or to use one or more location based services, e.g., a social application, a navigation application, a location based advertising application, and/or the like. For example, device 102 may include an application 125 to be executed by device 102.

In some demonstrative embodiments, application 125 may use range information between device 102 and responder stations 140 and/or 160, for example, to determine an estimated location of device 102, e.g., with respect to a coordinate system, e.g., a World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS84), and/or a local coordination.

In one example, device 102 may include a Smartphone and responder station 140 may include a ToF responder, which is located in a shop, e.g., in a shopping mall. According to this example, application 125 may use the range information to determine a relative location of device 102 with respect to responder station 140, for example, to receive sale offers from the shop.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may include a location estimator 115 configured to estimate a location of device 102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of location estimator 115 may be implemented as part of controller 124.

In other embodiments, the functionality of location estimator 115 may be implemented as part of any other element of device 102.

In some demonstrative embodiments, location estimator 115 may be configured to estimate the location of device 102, for example, based on time based range measurements, for example, with responder station 140, responder station 160 and/or one or more other devices.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the time based range measurements may be performed using WLAN communications, e.g., WiFi. For example, using WiFi to perform the time based range measurements may enable, for example, increasing an indoor location accuracy of the location estimation of device 102, e.g., in an indoor environment.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the time based range measurements may include a round trip time (RTT) measurement (also referred to as Time of Flight (ToF).

The ToF may be defined as the overall time a signal propagates from a first station, e.g., device 102, to a second station, e.g., responder station 140, and back to the first station. A distance between the first and second stations may be determined based on the ToF value, for example, by dividing the ToF value by two and multiplying the result by the speed of light.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the ToF measurement procedure may include a Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may be configured to utilize an FTM Protocol, for example, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11REVmc D4.0 Specification, and/or any other specification, standard and/or protocol. For example, device 102 may be configured to use the FTM protocol to measure the RTT from a STA implemented by device 102 to a plurality of other STAs, e.g., including responder station 140 and/or responder station 160, for example, including one or more AP STAs and/or non-AP STAs.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may include a Fine Time Measurement (FTM) component 117 configured to perform one or more FTM operations, communications and/or procedures with one or more stations, for example, with responder station 140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may include, or may be implemented, using suitable circuitry and/or logic, e.g., controller circuitry and/or logic, scheduler circuitry and/or logic, processor circuitry and/or logic, memory circuitry and/or logic, and/or any other circuitry and/or logic, which may be configured to perform at least part of the functionality of FTM component 117. Additionally or alternatively, one or more functionalities of FTM component 117 may be implemented by logic, which may be executed by a machine and/or one or more processors, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to perform one or more operations of, and/or at least part of the functionality of, message processor 128 and/or controller 124, for example, to trigger communication of one or more FTM messages, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, at least part of the functionality of FTM component 117 may be implemented by an integrated circuit, for example, a chip, e.g., a System on Chip (SoC). In one example, the chip or SoC may be configured to perform one or more functionalities of radio 114. For example, the chip or SoC may include one or more elements of FTM component 117, and/or one or more elements of radio 114. In one example, FTM component 117, and radio 114 may be implemented as part of the chip or SoC. In other embodiments, FTM component 117, and/or radio 114 may be implemented by one or more additional or alternative elements of device 102.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger the FTM measurements, for example, periodically and/or or upon a request from an application executed by device 102, for example, to determine an accurate location of device 102, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to perform one or more measurements according to an FTM protocol, for example, in accordance with an IEEE 802.11 Specification, e.g., an IEEE 802.11RevMC Specification and/or any other specification and/or protocol.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to perform one or more operations of an FTM initiator to perform one or more FTM measurements with one or more FTM responders, e.g., including responder station 140 and/or responder station 160.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to perform one or more proximity, ranging, and/or location estimation measurements, e.g., in an indoor location, based on the FTM measurements. For example, the FTM measurements may provide a relatively accurate estimation of location, range and/or proximity, e.g., in an indoor location.

Some demonstrative embodiments are described herein with respect to an FTM component, e.g., FTM component 117, configured to perform measurements according to an FTM protocol and/or procedure. However, in other embodiments, the FTM component may be configured to perform any other additional or alternative type of Time of Flight (ToF) measurements, ranging measurements, positioning measurements, proximity measurements, and/or location estimation measurements, e.g., according to any additional or alternative protocol and/or procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, controller 124, and/or FTM component 117 may initiate the FTM measurement procedure. For example, device 102 may perform the functionality of an initiator device, e.g., as described below with reference to FIG. 2.

Reference is made to FIG. 2, which schematically illustrates a sequence diagram, which demonstrates operations and interactions between a first wireless communication device 202 (“Initiating STA” or “initiator”) and a second wireless communication device 240 (“Responding STA” or “responder”), of an FTM procedure 200, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, device 202 may perform the functionality of device 102 (FIG. 1), and/or device 240 may perform the functionality of responder station 140 (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may transmit to device 240 an FTM request message 231 to request to perform the FTM procedure 200 with device 240. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to transmit the FTM request message 231.

As shown in FIG. 2, device 240 may transmit an FTM request acknowledgement (ACK) 232 to device 202, to acknowledge receipt of the FTM request message 231, and to confirm the request to perform the FTM procedure. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to process reception of the FTM request ACK message 232.

As shown in FIG. 2, FTM procedure 200 may include an FTM measurement period, during which devices 202 and 240 may communicate FTM measurement frames, e.g., as described below. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to communicate one or more messages during the FTM measurement period, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, devices 202 and/or 240 may communicate the FTM measurement frames between devices 202 and 240 during the FTM measurement period, for example, to determine a Time of Flight (ToF) value between devices 202 and 240.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 240 may transmit an FTM message 234 to device 202, at a time, denoted t1. The time t1 may be a Time of Departure (ToD), denoted ToD(M), of message 234.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may receive message 234 and may determine a time, denoted t2, e.g., by determining a Time of Arrival (ToA), denoted ToA(M), of message 234. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to process receipt of message 234, and/or FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to determine the ToA of message 234.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may transmit a message 236 to device 240, at a time, denoted t3. Message 236 may include, for example, an acknowledgement message transmitted in response to FTM message 234. The time t3 may be a ToD, denoted ToD(ACK), of the message 236. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to transmit message 236, and/or FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to determine the ToD of message 236.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 240 may receive message 236 and may determine a time, denoted t4, e.g., by determining a ToA, denoted ToA(ACK), of message 236.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 240 may transmit an FTM message 238 to device 202. Message 238 may include, for example, information corresponding to the time t1 and/or the time t4. For example, message 238 may include a timestamp, e.g., a ToD timestamp, including the time t1, and a timestamp, e.g., a ToA timestamp, including the time t4.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may receive message 238. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to process receipt of message 238, and/or FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to access, extract and/or process the information corresponding to the time t1 and/or the time t4.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may transmit a message 239 to device 240. Message 239 may include, for example, an acknowledgement message transmitted in response to message 238. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to transmit message 239.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 240 may transmit an FTM message 242 to device 202. Message 242 may include, for example, information corresponding to the time t1 and/or the time t4. For example, message 242 may include a timestamp, e.g., a ToD timestamp, including the time t1, and a timestamp, e.g., a ToA timestamp, including the time t4.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may receive message 242. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to process receipt of message 242, and/or FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to access, extract and/or process the information corresponding to the time t1 and/or the time t4.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, device 202 may transmit a message 243 to device 240. Message 239 may include, for example, an acknowledgement message transmitted in response to message 242. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured to trigger, instruct, cause and/or request radio 114 (FIG. 1) to transmit message 243.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 202 may determine a ToF between device 202 and device 240, for example, based on message 238 and/or message 242. For example, FTM component 117 (FIG. 1) may be configured determine the ToF, e.g., as described below.

For example, device 202 may determine the ToF based on an average, or any other function, applied to the time values t1, t2, t3 and t4. For example, device 202 may determine the ToF, e.g., as follows:

ToF=[(t4−t1)−(t3−t2)]/2   (1)

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 202 may determine the distance between devices 202 and 240 based on the calculated ToF.

For example, device 202 may determine the distance, denoted ri., e.g., as follows:

r _(k) =ToF*C   (2)

wherein C denotes the radio wave propagation speed.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some demonstrative embodiments, location estimator 115 may be configured to determine a location of device 102, for example, based on one or more location and/or FTM measurements with a plurality of responder stations and/or APs, for example, e.g., by performing trilateration.

In some demonstrative embodiments, location estimator 115 may be configured to determine a location of device 102, for example, based on one or more location and/or FTM measurements with one or more responder stations and/or APs.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system 100 may include at least one AP 165 configured to perform one or more location and/or FTM measurements with mobile devices, e.g., device 102, and/or to provide one or more services, for example, network connectivity, Internet services, Location applications, and/or the like, to the mobile devices.

In many scenarios and/or network (NW) deployments, a plurality of APs may operate over different channels, and mobile device 102 may be communicate with the plurality of the APs, for example, to perform the location and/or FTM measurements.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM (ToF) responders or ToF beacons may be deployed, for example, in addition to an existing WiFi AP infrastructure, for example, in order to increase coverage and/or accuracy of location estimation in a certain venue or location.

In one example, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160, may be deployed in the same area, e.g., a venue, a location, and/or a building, as AP 165, for example, to increase coverage and/or accuracy of location estimation in the area.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a standard WiFi AP-deployment practice may set different nearby APs to different channels, for example, in order to provide a better service, prevent interference, and/or to better utilize the available airspace.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may be configured to serve one or more devices, e.g., device 102, only if the devices are on the same channel as responder stations 140 and/or 160.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may be required, for example, to perform off-channel activity, e.g., to switch to a channel to communicate with responder stations 140 and/or 160, for example, if device 102 is not on the same channel of responder stations 140 and/or 160, e.g., if device 102 communicates on a different channel with an AP, e.g., AP 165,

In some demonstrative embodiments, a device, e.g., device 102, may be configured to strive to keep off-channel activity to minimal, for example, since off-channel activity may increase power consumption of device 102, may take longer time than on-channel activity, and/or may reduce data-link availability of device 102.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a device, e.g., device 102, may perform FTM measurements with at least 3-4 different FTM responders in a short period, e.g., of about one second (sec), for example, for location-estimation and/or real-time navigation purposes. Therefore, an FTM (ToF) responder, which may be able to serve clients on multiple different channels may provide a better service to devices in its vicinity.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be configured to reduce off-channel activity of a mobile device, for example, when the device performs FTM measurements with different FTM responders.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may be configured to allow efficient multi-channel activity of FTM (ToF) responders, for example, while reducing or even eliminating, in some cases, off-channel activity of devices which are using a different data-link to communicate with an AP, e.g., as described below.

Some demonstrative embodiments may be configured to provide synching and/or advertisement mechanisms, which may be configured, for example, to allow efficient multi-channel activity of responder stations, for example, instead of, or while not requiring, off-channel activity of mobile devices which are using a different data-link channel to communicate with the AP, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, an FTM (ToF) responder, e.g., responder stations 140 and/or 160, may be configured to serve multiple devices (STAs) on a plurality of different wireless communication channels, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the FTM responder may be configured to signal (advertise) a Multi-Channel Swapping Capability of the FTM responder, and available FTM windows per channel (also referred to as “availability windows timeslots”), e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may be configured to support advertising Multi-Channel Swapping Capability for a WiFi FTM (ToF) Responder, e.g., as described below. For example, responder station 140 may be configured to transmit information of the Multi-Channel Swapping Capability of responder station 140, and/or device 102 may be configured to process the information of the Multi-Channel Swapping Capability from responder station 140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a FTM (ToF) responder, e.g., responder station 140, may be configured to serve multiple mobile devices (STAs) on different channels, for example, by swapping different Receive (Rx) channels on different time-slots, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the FTM (ToF) responder may be configured to announce its availability to the devices (STAs), for example, via one or more beacons and/or any other additional or alternative transmissions and/or messages, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the FTM (ToF) responder, e.g., responder station 140, may be configured to send the beacons on several different channels, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a beacon frame may include one or more information elements, e.g., one or more added new information elements, which may be configured to announce the availability windows timeslots of the FTM (ToF) responder on multi-channels, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the availability windows timeslots advertised by the responder station may include time slots, in which the FTM responder is guaranteed to be on-channel and ready to reply to FTM request frames from initiator devices, e.g., to conduct an FTM procedure with the initiator devices, for example, in accordance with an IEEE 802.11 standard, or any other protocol or standard, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder station 140 may be configured to signal and/or advertise the Multi-Channel Swapping Capability of responder station 140, and/or device 102 may utilize the Multi-Channel Swapping Capability of responder station 140, for example, to perform an FTM procedure with responder station 140, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or message processor 158 to generate an Information Element (IE) including FTM availability information (“the FTM availability IE”).

In some demonstrative embodiments, the FTM availability information may include an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the FTM availability information may include a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels.

In some demonstrative embodiments, an entry corresponding to the channel may include an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and/or an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window, and/or any other additional or alternative information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the indication of the channel may include a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, a high-throughput capability, e.g., High-Throughput (HT) or Very-HT (VHT) capability, a channel number, one or more control frequencies, and/or one or more additional or alternative indications corresponding to the channel.

In one example, each entry of the FTM availability IE corresponding to a channel, may include at least some of the following Fields:

1. Channel—an indication of a channel, a channel bandwidth, a high-throughput capability of the channel, and/or a channel frequency.

2. FTM Availability Time (t0) (e.g., partial TSF timer)—indicating when the Responder station will be on the indicated Channel, e.g., indicated by field 1, and able to receive an FTM Request Frame, and stall the FTM procedure.

3. FTM Availability Window (w) (e.g., in ms)—indicating how long the responder station will be on the indicated Channel, and be available for the FTM procedure.

4. FTM Availability Windows periodicity (p) (e.g., in ms)—indicating when is the next FTM availability window of the responder station.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to determine the plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points. For example, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to determine the plurality of channels to include a channel, over which AP 165 communicates.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder station 140 may be configured to determine and/or set the plurality of channels, for example, based on scan results performed by the responder station 140, for example, to detect relevant APs in its vicinity; a manual configuration; network management protocols; and/or according to any other information and/or configuration.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 to transmit the information element including the FTM availability information, for example, as a unicast message to device 102, or as a broadcast message.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

In one example, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to be available to perform all operations of an FTM procedure, e.g., FTM procedure 200 (FIG. 2), with device 102 on the channel during the FTM availability windows. For example, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to be available on the channel during an FTM availability window, which may have a duration to enable responder station 140 to perform all operations of an FTM procedure, e.g., FTM procedure 200 (FIG. 2), with device 102.

In another example, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to be available to perform some operations, e.g., one or more, operations of an FTM procedure, e.g., FTM procedure 200 (FIG. 2), with device 102 on the channel during the FTM availability windows. For example, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 to be available to process receipt of an FTM request, e.g., FTM request message 231 (FIG. 2), from device 102 on the channel during the FTM availability windows, to respond to the request, and/or to perform one or more other operation of the FTM procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 to transmit a beacon including the information element.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 to transmit a beacon including the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

In one example, responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 may be configured to transmit the beacon including the information element, for example, at a beginning of the FTM availability window.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 to transmit a probe response including the information element.

In one example, responder station 140 may be configured to advertise the FTM availability IE, for example, by a beacon, e.g., a WiFi beacon, a probe response, e.g., a WiFi probe response, and/or any other frame or message.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 to transmit the information element in a capability information field.

In one example, responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 may be configured to transmit the information element in a capability information field of the beacon and/or the probe response, e.g., as described below with reference to FIG. 3.

In some demonstrative embodiments, controller 154 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 to transmit the information element in an IE, e.g., a dedicated IE, which may be added, for example, to an extended capabilities information element, e.g., in the capabilities field of the extended capabilities information element.

In one example, responder station 140 and/or transmitter 148 may be configured to transmit the information element in a dedicated IE, which may be added, for example, to the extended capabilities information element, e.g., in the capabilities field of the extended capabilities information element of the beacon and/or the probe response, e.g., as described below with reference to FIG. 4.

In other embodiments, the IE including the FTM availability information, e.g., the FTM availability IE, may be included as a new dedicated FTM parameter set in the beacon frame and/or the probe response, for example, as an optional parameter set containing the IE.

Reference is made to FIG. 3, which schematically illustrates a capability information field 300, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the IE including the FTM availability information may be included as part of capability information field 300,

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, an FTM availability IE 312, may be added to capability information field 300.

In one example, responder station 140 (FIG. 1) may be configured to transmit the FTM availability IE 312 including the FTM availability information as part of a capability information field 300 of a beacon frame and/or a probe response frame, e.g., as described above.

Reference is made to FIG. 4, which schematically illustrates an extended capabilities element format 400, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

In some demonstrative embodiments, extended capabilities element format 400 may include the IE including the FTM availability information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, capabilities field 410 of extended capabilities element 400 may include an FTM availability IE 412 including the FTM availability information.

In one example, responder station 140 (FIG. 1) may be configured to transmit the FTM availability IE 412 including the FTM availability information as part of capabilities field 410 of extended capabilities element 400 of a beacon frame and/or a probe response frame, e.g., as described above.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may receive an information element including FTM availability information of a responder station.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may receive the information element including the FTM availability information of responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 and/or receiver 116 to process the information element including the FTM availability information corresponding to responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 and/or receiver 116 to process the beacon from responder station 140 including the information element including the FTM availability information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 and/or receiver 116 to process reception of the beacon from responder station 140 over the channel, for example, during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 and/or receiver 116 to process the probe response from responder station 140 including the information element including the FTM availability information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 and/or receiver 116 to process reception of the capability information field including the information element including the FTM availability information.

In one example, device 102 and/or receiver 116 may be configured to process reception of the IE including the FTM availability information of responder station 140, for example, as part of capability information field 300 (FIG. 3) of the beacon frame and/or the probe response frame from responder station 140.

In another example, device 102 and/or receiver 116 may be configured to process reception of the IE including the FTM availability information of responder station 140, for example, as part of capabilities field 310 (FIG. 3) of extended capabilities element format 300 (FIG. 3) of the beacon frame and/or the probe response frame from responder station 140.

In another example, device 102 and/or receiver 116 may be configured to process reception of the IE including the FTM availability information of responder station 140, for example, as part of an optional parameter set containing the IE in the beacon frame and/or the probe response frame from responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure, e.g., some or all of the operations of FTM procedure 200 (FIG. 2), with the responder station 140 on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 to perform the FTM procedure with the responder station 140 on the channel during the FTM availability window, for example, based on the FTM availability information, e.g., in the probe response and/or in the beacon from responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, location estimator 115 may be configured to estimate a location of mobile device 102 based on the FTM procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 to select the channel, over which device 102 may perform the FTM procedure, for example, to include a channel used by device 102 to communicate with an AP.

In one example, device 102 may communicate with AP 165 over a channel, e.g., Channel 2. According to this example, device 102 may select the Channel 2 from the plurality of channels in the FTM availability information of responder station 140 to perform the FTM procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may receive information elements including FTM availability information of a responder station, for example, from more than one, e.g., two, responder stations.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 to process a plurality of information elements including FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 to select one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the FTM procedure, for example, based on a communication channel between device 102 and an AP.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM component 117 may be configured to trigger, control, instruct, cause and/or request device 102 to select the one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, may be available over the communication channel between device 102 and the AP.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may receive a first information element from responder station 140 including FTM availability information corresponding to responder station 140, and a second information element from responder station 160 including FTM availability information corresponding to responder station 160.

In one example, device 102 may receive the first information element from responder station 140 including an indication of a channel-A and a channel-B, and the second information element from responder station 160 including an indication of channel-A and channel-B. According to this example, device 102 may select the channel-A to perform an FTM procedure with responder stations 140 and/or 160, for example, if device 102 communicates with AP 165 over Channel-A.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may be configured to receive FTM availability information corresponding to a responder station from a server.

In some demonstrative embodiments, system 100 may include a server 170 configured to provide FTM availability information corresponding to at least one responder station.

In some demonstrative embodiments, server 170 may include a cloud server, a web-based server, an Internet server, and/or the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, server 170 may include a message processor 178 configured to generate an information element including FTM availability information corresponding to a responder station.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the FTM availability information may include an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows.

In one example, message processor 178 may be configured to generate an information element including FTM availability information corresponding to responder station 140. According to this example, the FTM availability information may include an indication of a plurality of channels and, for each channel one or more FTM availability windows during which responder station 140 may be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure, e.g., as described below.

In some demonstrative embodiments, server 170 may include a communication interface 174 configured to send the information element including the FTM availability information to a mobile station. For example, communication interface 174 may send the information element including the FTM availability information of responder station 140 to mobile device 102.

In some demonstrative embodiments, communication interface 174 may include a wired interface, and/or a wireless interface.

In one example, the FTM availability information may be stored and/or controlled by server 170. The server 170 may be configured to provide the FTM availability information to a client, e.g., a mobile device, for example, upon request or based on registration of the client at server 170.

In some demonstrative embodiments, server 170 may be configured to send the FTM availability information to a mobile device, for example, in response to a request message from the mobile device.

In some demonstrative embodiments, server 170 may be configured to provide to the client information including, for example, a list of entries per a responder station, for example, according to an identifier of the responder station, e.g., a Media Access control (MAC) address and/or a Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) address of the responder.

In one example, server 170 may provide to mobile device 102 FTM availability information of responder station 140, for example, if a request from device 102 includes the MAC and/or BSSID address of responder station 140.

In some demonstrative embodiments, an entry, e.g., each entry, in the information provided by the server 170 may include at least some of the following information:

-   -   1. Channel—an indication of a channel, a channel bandwidth, a         high-throughput capability of the channel, and/or a channel         frequency.     -   2. FTM Availability Time (t0) (e.g., partial TSF         timer)—indicating when the Responder station will be on the         indicated Channel, e.g., indicated by field 1, and able to         receive an FTM Request Frame, and start the FTM procedure.     -   3. FTM Availability Window (w) (e.g., in ms)—indicating how long         the responder station will be on the indicated Channel, and be         available for the FTM procedure.     -   4. FTM Availability Windows periodicity (p) (e.g., in         ms)—indicating when is the next FTM availability window of the         responder station.

In some demonstrative embodiments, message processor 178 may be configured to generate a plurality of information elements including FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of the mobile station.

In some demonstrative embodiments, communication interface 174 may be configured to send the plurality of information elements to the mobile station.

In one example, mobile device 102, responder station 140 and responder station 160 may be located in the same area. According to this example, server 170 may be configured to send to device 102, for example, upon a request from device 102, FTM availability information corresponding to responder stations 140 and 160.

Reference is made to FIG. 5, which schematically illustrates a communication scheme 500, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, communication scheme 500 may include a first mobile device 502 and a second mobile device 504. For example, mobile device 502 and/or mobile device 504 may perform the functionality of mobile device 102 (FIG. 1).

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, communication scheme 500 may include a first responder station 540 and a second responder station 560. For example, responder station 540 may perform the functionality of responder station 140 (FIG. 1); and/or responder station 560 may perform the functionality of responder station 160 (FIG. 1).

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, communication scheme 500 may include a first AP 565 and a second AP 567. For example, AP 565 and/or AP 567 may perform the functionality of AP 165 (FIG. 1).

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the device 502 may communicate with AP 565 via a data-link 566 on a first channel, denoted Channel A.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the device 504 may communicate with AP 567 via a data-link 568 on a second channel, denoted Channel B.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the devices 502 and/or 504 may be configured to perform an FTM procedure with responder stations 540 and/or 560.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 540 and/or 560 may be configured to perform an FTM procedure on both channels, e.g., the Channel A and the Channel B. For example, responder stations 540 and/or 560 may be configured to swap between the channels Channel A and Channel B.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 540 and/or 560 may be configured to advertise their respective FTM availability information indicating their FTM availability windows on the Channel A and/or the Channel B.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 502 may be configured to select FTM availability windows of responder stations 540 and/or 560 over the Channel A, over which device 502 communicates with AP 565; and/or device 504 may be configured to select FTM availability windows of responder stations 540 and/or 560 over the Channel B, over which device 504 communicates with AP 567.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, device 502 may perform an FTM measurement 512 with responder station 540 over the Channel A, and/or device 502 may perform an FTM measurement 522 with responder station 560 over the Channel A, e.g., over which device 502 communicates with AP 565.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, device 504 may perform an FTM measurement 514 with responder station 540 over the Channel B, and/or device 502 may perform an FTM measurement 524 with responder station 560 over the Channel B, over which device 504 communicates with AP 567.

In some demonstrative embodiments, advertising the FTM availability information with respect to responder stations 540 and/or 560 may enable both device 502 and 504 to perform FTM measurements on a channel over which devices 502 and/or 504 communicate with an AP, which may reduce off-channel activity of devices 502 and/or 504.

Reference is made to FIG. 6, which schematically illustrates an FTM availability scheme 600 corresponding to a responder station, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, FTM availability scheme 600 may correspond to responder station 140 (FIG. 1), and/or responder station 540 (FIG. 5).

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, FTM availability scheme 600 may be represented by a plurality of time-lines corresponding to a respective plurality of channels. For example, FTM availability scheme 600 may include a first time-line 610 corresponding to a first channel, e.g., channel A, and/or a second time-line 620 corresponding to a second channel, e.g., channel B.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, FTM availability scheme 600 may include one or more FTM availability windows 612 over the channel A, e.g., over time-line 610, and/or one or more FTM availability windows 622 over the channel B, e.g., over time-line 620.

In one example, the responder station may be configured to be available to perform one or more FTM procedures during FTM availability windows 612 and/or 622.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, FTM availability scheme 600 may define for each channel an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window. For example, time-line 610 may include an FTM availability time 611 to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window 612, and/or time-line 620 may include an FTM availability time 621 to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window 622.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, FTM availability scheme 600 may define for a channel of the plurality of channels an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window on the channel. For example, time-line 610 may include an FTM availability windows periodicity 613 to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window 612, and/or time-line 620 may include an FTM availability windows periodicity 623 to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window 622.

In some demonstrative embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, FTM availability scheme 600 may define for a channel of the plurality of channels an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window. For example, time-line 610 may include an FTM availability window value 617 to indicate a duration of an FTM availability window 612, and/or time-line 610 may include an FTM availability window value 627 to indicate a duration of an FTM availability window 627.

In some demonstrative embodiments, FTM availability scheme 600 may be advertised by the responder station, for example, in the information element including the FTM availability information.

In some demonstrative embodiments, a device, e.g., device 102 (FIG. 1), may use the availability information according to FTM availability scheme 600 to schedule an FTM procedure with the responder station, for example, over a channel that matches an active data-link channel between the device and an AP.

In one example, device 502 (FIG. 5) may use the availability information to schedule an FTM procedure with responder station 540 (FIG. 5), for example, according to FTM availability windows 612 on the channel A, over which device 502 (FIG. 5) has data link 566 (FIG. 5) with AP 565 (FIG. 5).

In another example, device 504 (FIG. 5) may use the availability information to schedule an FTM procedure with responder station 560 (FIG. 5), for example, according to FTM availability windows 522 on the channel B, over which device 504 (FIG. 5) has data link 568 (FIG. 5) with AP 567 (FIG. 5).

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some demonstrative embodiments, the availability windows timeslots may be, for example, in tens/hundreds of milliseconds (ms), e.g., 200-500 ms per second, for example, if there are about 3-5 channels in-use in the vicinity of the responder stations. The FTM procedure itself may be, for example, much shorter, e.g., up to about ˜50 ms. Therefore, a client device, e.g., device 102, may still be in-control of scheduling an FTM procedure inside a larger availability window.

In some demonstrative embodiments, responder stations 140 and/or 160 may be configured to implement a Multi-Channel Swapping scheme, which may, for example, complement one or more future possible enhancements in an FTM protocol, including, for example, better air-interface efficiency, and/or message minimization. Moreover, on-channel activity of a future improved FTM protocol may be more efficient, e.g., in terms of power, delay, and/or responsiveness, for example, compared to a scheme using off-channel activity.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the Multi-Channel Swapping scheme may, for example, support a current FTM protocol, e.g., according to an IEEE 802.11RevMC Specification, e.g., even without making a change at the FTM procedure.

In some demonstrative embodiments, the Multi-Channel Swapping scheme may, for example, provide a good optimization point between real-life APs deployment, e.g., where different channels are in-use in order to provide better overall data performance, and the need to increase a coverage of a responder station, for example, without significantly increasing off-channel activity of the client. For example, a need to perform FTM measurements with 3-4 FTM responders for every location-calculation, e.g., while maintaining an active data connection and throughput with an AP, may be difficult for the client. The Multi-Channel Swapping scheme may, for example, enable to reduce the off-channel activity of the client device and, as a result, the overall efficiency may be increased.

In some demonstrative embodiments, an FTM procedure may be very quick, for example, compared to a duration of the availability windows, e.g., as described above. Accordingly, it may not be necessary to tightly-synchronize the windows between responder stations, which can have some overlapping. In one example, a simple randomization may be applied, or a TSF-based synchronization over the relevant in-use channels may be performed. According to this example, the client/initiator device may be able to easily track the respective availability windows and schedule the measurements when best fit.

In some demonstrative embodiments, for battery-powered responder stations and/or IOT devices, it may be advantageous to reduce the Receive (Rx) availability at the responder side, for example, in order to conserve power. In these cases, a Multi-Channel Swapping scheme, as described herein, may be useful. A TSF-based synchronization may be used, for example, with smaller availability windows at low repetitions, e.g., 100 ms per 1-2 sec.

In some demonstrative embodiments, device 102 may include, for example, one or more of a processor 191, an input unit 192, an output unit 193, a memory unit 194, and/or a storage unit 195; responder stations 140 and/or 160 may include, for example, one or more of a processor 181, an input unit 182, an output unit 183, a memory unit 184, and/or a storage unit 185; and/or server 170 may include a memory 176 and/or a processor 171. Device 102, server 170, responder station 140, and/or responder station 160 may optionally include other suitable hardware components and/or software components. In some demonstrative embodiments, some or all of the components of one or more of device 102, server 170, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may be enclosed in a common housing or packaging, and may be interconnected or operably associated using one or more wired or wireless links. In other embodiments, components of one or more of device 102, server 170, responder station 140 and/or responder station 160 may be distributed among multiple or separate devices.

In some demonstrative embodiments, processor 191, processor 171, and/or processor 181 may include, for example, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), one or more processor cores, a single-core processor, a dual-core processor, a multiple-core processor, a microprocessor, a host processor, a controller, a plurality of processors or controllers, a chip, a microchip, one or more circuits, circuitry, a logic unit, an Integrated Circuit (IC), an Application-Specific IC (ASIC), or any other suitable multi-purpose or specific processor or controller. Processor 191 executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of device 102 and/or of one or more suitable applications. Processor 181 executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of responder station 140 and/or of one or more suitable applications. Processor 171 executes instructions, for example, of an Operating System (OS) of server 170 and/or of one or more suitable applications

In some demonstrative embodiments, input unit 192 and/or input unit 182 may include, for example, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a touch-screen, a touch-pad, a track-ball, a stylus, a microphone, or other suitable pointing device or input device. Output unit 193 and/or output unit 183 includes, for example, a monitor, a screen, a touch-screen, a flat panel display, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display unit, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) display unit, a plasma display unit, one or more audio speakers or earphones, or other suitable output devices.

In some demonstrative embodiments, memory unit 194, memory unit 176, and/or memory unit 184 includes, for example, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SD-RAM), a flash memory, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a cache memory, a buffer, a short term memory unit, a long term memory unit, or other suitable memory units. Storage unit 195 and/or storage unit 185 includes, for example, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a Compact Disk (CD) drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or other suitable removable or non-removable storage units. Memory unit 194 and/or storage unit 195, for example, may store data processed by device 102. Memory unit 184 and/or storage unit 185, for example, may store data processed by responder station 140. Memory unit 176 may store data processed by server 170.

Reference is made to FIG. 7, which schematically illustrates a method of performing an FTM procedure with a responder station, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. For example, one or more of the operations of the method of FIG. 7 may be performed by a wireless communication system, e.g., system 100 (FIG. 1); a mobile device, e.g., device 102; a server, e.g., server 170 (FIG. 1); a responder station, e.g., responder stations 140 and/or 160 (FIG. 1); a controller, e.g., controllers 124 and/or 154 (FIG. 1); an FTM component, e.g., FTM component 117 (FIG. 1); a location estimator, e.g., location estimator 115 (FIG. 1); a radio, e.g., radios 114 and/or 144 (FIG. 1); a communication interface, e.g., communication interface 174 (FIG. 1); a message processor, e.g., message processor 128 (FIG. 1), message processor 158 (FIG. 1) and/or message processor 178 (FIG. 1); a transmitter, e.g., transmitters 118 and/or 148 (FIG. 1); and/or a receiver, e.g., receivers 116 and/or 146 (FIG. 1).

As indicated at block 702, the method may include transmitting from a responder station an information element including FTM availability information including an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows. For example, responder station 140 (FIG. 1) may transmit the information element including the FTM availability information including the indication of a plurality of channels, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block 704, the method may include ensuring the responder station is available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel. For example, responder station 140 (FIG. 1) may be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel, e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block 706, the method may include processing at a mobile device the information element including the FTM availability information corresponding to the responder station. For example, mobile device 102 (FIG. 1) may process the information element including the FTM availability information corresponding to responder station 140 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block 708, the method may include performing at the mobile device one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel, based on the FTM availability information. For example, mobile device 102 (FIG. 1) may perform the FTM procedure with responder station 140 (FIG. 1) on the channel of the plurality of channels during the FTM availability window corresponding to the channel, for example, based on the FTM availability information received from responder station 140 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block 710, the method may include generating at a server an information element including the FTM availability information corresponding to the responder station. For example, server 170 (FIG. 1) may generate the information element including the FTM availability information corresponding to responder station 140 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

As indicated at block 712, the method may include sending the information element to a mobile station. For example, server 170 (FIG. 1) may send the information element to device 102 (FIG. 1), e.g., as described above.

Reference is made to FIG. 8, which schematically illustrates a product of manufacture 800, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Product 800 may include one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media 802, which may include computer-executable instructions, e.g., implemented by logic 804, operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at device 102 (FIG. 1), responder stations 140 and/or 160 (FIG. 1), server 170 (FIG. 1), radios 114 and/or 144 (FIG. 1), communication interface 174 (FIG. 1), transmitters 118 and/or 148 (FIG. 1), receivers 116 and/or 146 (FIG. 1), controllers 124 and/or 154 (FIG. 1), message processors 128, 158 and/or 178 (FIG. 1), FTM component 117 (FIG. 1), location estimator 115 (FIG. 1), and/or to perform, trigger and/or implement one or more operations and/or functionalities descried above with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and/or 7, and/or one or more operations described herein. The phrase “non-transitory machine-readable medium” is directed to include all computer-readable media, with the sole exception being a transitory propagating signal.

In some demonstrative embodiments, product 800 and/or machine-readable storage medium 802 may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing data, including volatile memory, non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writeable or re-writeable memory, and the like. For example, machine-readable storage medium 802 may include, RAM, DRAM, Double-Data-Rate DRAM (DDR-DRAM), SDRAM, static RAM (SRAM), ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), Compact Disk ROM (CD-ROM), Compact Disk Recordable (CD-R), Compact Disk Rewriteable (CD-RW), flash memory (e.g., NOR or NAND flash memory), content addressable memory (CAM), polymer memory, phase-change memory, ferroelectric memory, silicon-oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon (SONOS) memory, a disk, a floppy disk, a hard drive, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a card, a magnetic card, an optical card, a tape, a cassette, and the like. The computer-readable storage media may include any suitable media involved with downloading or transferring a computer program from a remote computer to a requesting computer carried by data signals embodied in a carrier wave or other propagation medium through a communication link, e.g., a modem, radio or network connection.

In some demonstrative embodiments, logic 804 may include instructions, data, and/or code, which, if executed by a machine, may cause the machine to perform a method, process and/or operations as described herein. The machine may include, for example, any suitable processing platform, computing platform, computing device, processing device, computing system, processing system, computer, processor, or the like, and may be implemented using any suitable combination of hardware, software, firmware, and the like.

In some demonstrative embodiments, logic 804 may include, or may be implemented as, software, a software module, an application, a program, a subroutine, instructions, an instruction set, computing code, words, values, symbols, and the like. The instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, and the like. The instructions may be implemented according to a predefined computer language, manner or syntax, for instructing a processor to perform a certain function. The instructions may be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and/or interpreted programming language, such as C, C++, Java, BASIC, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, assembly language, machine code, and the like.

EXAMPLES

The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising logic and circuitry configured to cause a responder station to transmit an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 2 includes the subject matter of Example I, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 3 includes the subject matter of Example 2, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 4 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-3, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the responder station to determine the plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points (APs).

Example 5 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-4, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the responder station to transmit a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 6 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-5, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the responder station to transmit over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 7 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-6, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the responder station to transmit a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 8 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-7, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the responder station to transmit the information element in a capability information field.

Example 9 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-8, and optionally, comprising a radio to transmit the information element.

Example 10 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 1-9, and optionally, comprising one or more antennas, a memory and a processor.

Example 11 includes a system of wireless communication comprising a responder station, the responder station comprising one or more antennas; a memory; a processor; a radio; and a controller configured to cause the responder station to transmit an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 12 includes the subject matter of Example 11, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 13 includes the subject matter of Example 12, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 14 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-13, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the responder station to determine the plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points (APs).

Example 15 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-14, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the responder station to transmit a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 16 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-15, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the responder station to transmit over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 17 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-16, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the responder station to transmit a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 18 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 11-17, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the responder station to transmit the information element in a capability information field.

Example 19 includes a method to be performed at a responder station, the method comprising transmitting an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and being available to perform one or more operations an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 20 includes the subject matter of Example 19, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 21 includes the subject matter of Example 20, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 22 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 19-21, and optionally, comprising determining the plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points (APs).

Example 23 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 19-22, and optionally, comprising transmitting a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 24 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 19-23, and optionally, comprising transmitting over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 25 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 19-24, and optionally, comprising transmitting a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 26 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 19-25, and optionally, comprising transmitting the information element in a capability information field.

Example 27 includes a product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising computer-executable instructions operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at a responder station, the operations comprising transmitting an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and being available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 28 includes the subject matter of Example 27, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 29 includes the subject matter of Example 28, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 30 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 27-29, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise determining the plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points (APs).

Example 31 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 27-30, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise transmitting a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 32 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 27-31, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise transmitting over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 33 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 27-32, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise transmitting a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 34 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 27-33, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise transmitting the information element in a capability information field.

Example 35 includes an apparatus of a responder station, the apparatus comprising means for transmitting an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and means for being available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 36 includes the subject matter of Example 35, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 37 includes the subject matter of Example 36, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 38 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 35-37, and optionally, comprising means for determining the plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points (APs).

Example 39 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 35-38, and optionally, comprising means for transmitting a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 40 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 35-39, and optionally, comprising means for transmitting over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 41 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 35-40, and optionally, comprising means for transmitting a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 42 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 35-41, and optionally, comprising means for transmitting the information element in a capability information field.

Example 43 includes an apparatus comprising logic and circuitry configured to cause a mobile station to process an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for at least one of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and based on the FTM availability information, perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.

Example 44 includes the subject matter of Example 43, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 45 includes the subject matter of Example 44, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 46 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-45, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to select the channel comprising a channel used by the mobile station to communicate with an access point (AP).

Example 47 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-46, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to process a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations, and, based on a communication channel between the mobile device and an Access Point, to select one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the one or more operations of the FTM procedure.

Example 48 includes the subject matter of Example 47, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to select the one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, are to be available over the communication channel between the mobile device and the Access Point.

Example 49 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-48, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to estimate a location of the mobile station based on the FTM procedure.

Example 50 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-49, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to process reception of a capability information field comprising the information element.

Example 51 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-50, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to process a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 52 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-51, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to process over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 53 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-52, and optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to cause the mobile station to process a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 54 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-53, and optionally, comprising a radio to receive the information element.

Example 55 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 43-54, and optionally, comprising one or more antennas, a memory and a processor.

Example 56 includes a system of wireless communication comprising a mobile station, the mobile station comprising one or more antennas; a memory; a processor; a radio; and a controller configured to cause the mobile station to process an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for at least one of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and based on the FTM availability information, perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.

Example 57 includes the subject matter of Example 56, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 58 includes the subject matter of Example 57, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 59 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-58, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to select the channel comprising a channel used by the mobile station to communicate with an access point (AP).

Example 60 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-59, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to process a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations, and, based on a communication channel between the mobile device and an Access Point, to select one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the one or more operations of the FTM procedure.

Example 61 includes the subject matter of Example 60, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to select the one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, are to be available over the communication channel between the mobile device and the Access Point.

Example 62 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-61, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to estimate a location of the mobile station based on the FTM procedure.

Example 63 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-62, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to process reception of a capability information field comprising the information element.

Example 64 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-63, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to process a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 65 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-64, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to process over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 66 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 56-65, and optionally, wherein the controller is configured to cause the mobile station to process a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 67 includes a method to be performed at a mobile station, the method comprising processing an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for at least one of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and based on the FTM availability information, performing one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.

Example 68 includes the subject matter of Example 67, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 69 includes the subject matter of Example 68, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 70 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-69, and optionally, comprising selecting the channel comprising a channel used by the mobile station to communicate with an access point (AP).

Example 71 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-70, and optionally, comprising processing a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations, and, based on a communication channel between the mobile device and an Access Point, selecting one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the one or more operations of the FTM procedure.

Example 72 includes the subject matter of Example 71, and optionally, comprising selecting the one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, are to be available over the communication channel between the mobile device and the Access Point.

Example 73 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-72, and optionally, comprising estimating a location of the mobile station based on the FTM procedure.

Example 74 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-73, and optionally, comprising processing reception of a capability information field comprising the information element.

Example 75 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-74, and optionally, comprising processing a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 76 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-75, and optionally, comprising processing over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 77 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 67-76, and optionally, comprising processing a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 78 includes a product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising computer-executable instructions operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at a mobile station, the operations comprising processing an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for at least one of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and based on the FTM availability information, performing one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.

Example 79 includes the subject matter of Example 78, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 80 includes the subject matter of Example 79, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 81 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-80, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise selecting the channel comprising a channel used by the mobile station to communicate with an access point (AP).

Example 82 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-81, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise processing a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations, and, based on a communication channel between the mobile device and an Access Point, selecting one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the one or more operations of the FTM procedure.

Example 83 includes the subject matter of Example 82, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise selecting the one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, are to be available over the communication channel between the mobile device and the Access Point.

Example 84 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-83, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise estimating a location of the mobile station based on the FTM procedure.

Example 85 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-84, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise processing reception of a capability information field comprising the information element.

Example 86 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-85, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise processing a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 87 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-86, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise processing over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 88 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 78-87, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise processing a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 89 includes an apparatus of a mobile station, the apparatus comprising means for processing an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for at least one of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and means for, based on the FTM availability information, performing one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.

Example 90 includes the subject matter of Example 89, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 91 includes the subject matter of Example 90, and optionally, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.

Example 92 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-91, and optionally, comprising means for selecting the channel comprising a channel used by the mobile station to communicate with an access point (AP).

Example 93 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-92, and optionally, comprising means for processing a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations, and, based on a communication channel between the mobile device and an Access Point, selecting one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the one or more operations of the FTM procedure.

Example 94 includes the subject matter of Example 93, and optionally, comprising means for selecting the one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, are to be available over the communication channel between the mobile device and the Access Point.

Example 95 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-94, and optionally, comprising means for estimating a location of the mobile station based on the FTM procedure.

Example 96 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-95, and optionally, comprising means for processing reception of a capability information field comprising the information element.

Example 97 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-96, and optionally, comprising means for processing a beacon comprising the information element.

Example 98 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-97, and optionally, comprising means for processing over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.

Example 99 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 89-98, and optionally, comprising means for processing a probe response comprising the information element.

Example 100 includes a server comprising a message processor to generate an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and a communication interface to send the information element to a mobile station.

Example 101 includes the subject matter of Example 100, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 102 includes the subject matter of Example 100 or 101, and optionally, wherein the message processor is to generate a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of the mobile station, the communication interface to send the plurality of information elements to the mobile station.

Example 103 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 100-102, and optionally, wherein the communication interface is to send the information element to the mobile station in response to a request message from the mobile station.

Example 104 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 100-103, and optionally, comprising a memory and a processor.

Example 105 includes a system of wireless communication comprising a server, the server comprising a memory; a processor; a message processor to generate an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and a communication interface to send the information element to a mobile station.

Example 106 includes the subject matter of Example 105, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 107 includes the subject matter of Example 105 or 106, and optionally, wherein the message processor is to generate a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of the mobile station, the communication interface to send the plurality of information elements to the mobile station.

Example 108 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 105-107, and optionally, wherein the communication interface is to send the information element to the mobile station in response to a request message from the mobile station.

Example 109 includes a method to be performed at a server, the method comprising generating an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and sending the information element to a mobile station.

Example 110 includes the subject matter of Example 109, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 111 includes the subject matter of Example 109 or 110, and optionally, comprising generating a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of the mobile station, and sending the plurality of information elements to the mobile station.

Example 112 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 109-111, and optionally, comprising sending the information element to the mobile station in response to a request message from the mobile station.

Example 113 includes a product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising computer-executable instructions operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at a server, the operations comprising generating an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and sending the information element to a mobile station.

Example 114 includes the subject matter of Example 113, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 115 includes the subject matter of Example 113 or 114, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise generating a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of the mobile station, and sending the plurality of information elements to the mobile station.

Example 116 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 113-115, and optionally, wherein the operations comprise sending the information element to the mobile station in response to a request message from the mobile station.

Example 117 includes an apparatus of a server, the apparatus comprising means for generating an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and means for sending the information element to a mobile station.

Example 118 includes the subject matter of Example 117, and optionally, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.

Example 119 includes the subject matter of Example 117 or 118, and optionally, comprising means for generating a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of the mobile station, and means for sending the plurality of information elements to the mobile station.

Example 120 includes the subject matter of any one of Examples 117-119, and optionally, comprising means for sending the information element to the mobile station in response to a request message from the mobile station.

Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa.

While certain features of have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising logic and circuitry configured to cause a responder station to: transmit an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and be available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 configured to cause the responder station to determine said plurality of channels to include one or more detected channels of one or more Access Points (APs).
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 configured to cause the responder station to transmit a beacon comprising the information element.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 configured to cause the responder station to transmit over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 configured to cause the responder station to transmit a probe response comprising the information element.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 configured to cause the responder station to transmit the information element in a capability information field.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a radio to transmit the information element.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising one or more antennas, a memory and a processor.
 11. A product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising computer-executable instructions operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at a responder station, the operations comprising: transmitting an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the plurality of channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and being available to perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure on the channel during the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.
 12. The product of claim 11, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.
 13. An apparatus comprising logic and circuitry configured to cause a mobile station to: process an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for at least one of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and based on the FTM availability information, perform one or more operations of an FTM procedure with the responder station on a channel of the plurality of channels during an FTM availability window corresponding to the channel.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the indication of the channel comprises at least one indication selected from a group consisting of a channel frequency, a channel bandwidth, and a high-throughput capability.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 configured to cause the mobile station to select the channel comprising a channel used by the mobile station to communicate with an access point (AP).
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 configured to cause the mobile station to process a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations, and, based on a communication channel between said mobile device and an Access Point, to select one or more responder stations of the plurality of responder stations to perform the one or more operations of the FTM procedure.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 configured to cause the mobile station to select said one or more responder stations, which, according to the FTM availability information, are to be available over the communication channel between said mobile device and said Access Point.
 19. The apparatus of claim 13 configured to cause the mobile station to estimate a location of the mobile station based on said FTM procedure.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13 configured to cause the mobile station to process reception of a capability information field comprising said information element.
 21. The apparatus of claim 13 configured to cause the mobile station to process over the channel a beacon comprising the information element during at least one FTM availability window of the FTM availability windows corresponding to the channel.
 22. The apparatus of claim 13 comprising one or more antennas, a memory and a processor.
 23. A product comprising one or more tangible computer-readable non-transitory storage media comprising computer-executable instructions operable to, when executed by at least one computer processor, enable the at least one computer processor to implement one or more operations at a server, the operations comprising: generating an information element comprising Fine Time Measurement (FTM) availability information corresponding to a responder station, the FTM availability information comprising an indication of a plurality of channels and, for a channel of the channels, one or more FTM availability windows; and sending the information element to a mobile station.
 24. The product of claim 23, wherein the FTM availability information comprises a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of channels, an entry corresponding to the channel comprising an indication of the channel, an FTM availability time to indicate a beginning of an FTM availability window, an FTM availability window value to indicate a duration of the FTM availability window, and an FTM availability windows periodicity to indicate a beginning of a next FTM availability window.
 25. The product of claim 23, wherein the operations comprise generating a plurality of information elements comprising FTM availability information corresponding to a plurality of responder stations at a location of said mobile station, and sending said plurality of information elements to said mobile station. 